Psyche Asteroid Mission: Backup Mode Activated
- NASA's Psyche mission, designed to explore a unique metal asteroid, remains on schedule despite an earlier issue with its propulsion system.
- The spacecraft, built by Maxar Space Systems, will now operate its electric thrusters for about three months to maintain its trajectory toward the asteroid belt.
- According to NASA, the problem stemmed from a valve malfunction in the primary propellant line.
NASA’s Psyche mission is back on track! Despite initial propulsion system issues, the spacecraft, designed to study the metal asteroid Psyche, is operating fully thanks to a prosperous switch to a backup system. This critical maneuver ensures the mission’s 2029 arrival at the primary_keyword, the unusual, metal-rich asteroid. The team swiftly addressed a valve malfunction, demonstrating the value of robust design. The next major milestone is a Mars flyby in May 2026, which will slingshot the spacecraft towards its secondary_keyword location in the asteroid belt. This groundbreaking space mission, covered by News Directory 3, promises to reveal unprecedented insights into planetary origins. Discover what’s next …
NASA’s Psyche Mission on track After Thruster Fix
Updated June 21, 2025
NASA’s Psyche mission, designed to explore a unique metal asteroid, remains on schedule despite an earlier issue with its propulsion system. Engineers successfully switched to a backup propellant line in late May, restoring full functionality, NASA said Friday.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft takes a spiral path to the asteroid Psyche. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The spacecraft, built by Maxar Space Systems, will now operate its electric thrusters for about three months to maintain its trajectory toward the asteroid belt. This thrusting period will last until November, ensuring the mission stays on course for its 2029 arrival at the asteroid Psyche.
According to NASA, the problem stemmed from a valve malfunction in the primary propellant line. The team identified the issue through extensive testing and analysis. The switch to the backup system has resolved the problem.
The next critical event for the Psyche mission is a Mars flyby in May 2026. This flyby is essential, as it will use Mars’ gravity to slingshot the spacecraft further into the solar system, propelling it toward the asteroid belt.
Upon reaching the asteroid Psyche, the spacecraft will enter orbit and gradually move closer. It will employ a suite of sensors to map the asteroid’s surface, measure its shape, mass, and gravity field, and determine its elemental composition. Scientists estimate psyche’s diameter at roughly 140 miles (226 kilometers), about the size of Massachusetts, though its shape is thought to be more like a potato than a sphere.
The Psyche asteroid is unique as it is indeed believed to be largely composed of metals, such as iron and nickel, rather than rocky minerals. This makes it the first metallic, or M-type, asteroid ever visited by a spacecraft. Scientists are eager to study this unusual object to gain insights into planetary formation.
Bob Mase, Psyche project manager at JPL, praised the team’s efforts.”The mission team’s dedication and systematic approach to this investigation exemplifies the best of NASA engineering,” Mase said. “Their thorough diagnosis and recovery, using the backup system, demonstrates the value of robust spacecraft design and remarkable teamwork.”
Despite the accomplished recovery, there remains a concern that the issue that affected the primary fuel line’s valve could potentially affect the backup line as well. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Psyche’s principal investigator at Arizona State University, noted on X that proactive measures are being taken to address this potential issue.
What’s next
The Psyche mission team will continue monitoring the propulsion system and refining the spacecraft’s trajectory as it cruises toward its Mars flyby in 2026 and its ultimate destination, the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, in 2029. The mission promises to provide unprecedented insights into the formation of planets and the composition of asteroids.